Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport has officially announced its competition leadership and organizational structure for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, highlighting its focus on growth, new technical partnerships, and a commitment to racing excellence. The new leadership team brings together experienced professionals to drive the team’s competitive ambitions, especially as the organization continues to cement its reputation in the sport.
Key Leadership and Their Roles for the 2026 Campaign
Shane Whitbeck has been confirmed to return as Competition Director, guiding the No. 27, 31, and 32 teams into the new season. Whitbeck, who has partnered closely with team owners Jordan Anderson and John Bommarito since 2021, has become central to the evolution of the team. His leadership since his appointment as Competition Director in 2025 has influenced the group’s direction, overseeing race operations and fostering an environment driven by passion, accountability, and a focus on people.
Recognized for his background as both a crew chief and racer, Whitbeck’s practical, on-track experience provides a unique perspective that enhances the team’s performance. Going into 2026, his responsibilities will also involve overseeing competition operations and reinforcing the new technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing, while also expanding collaboration with Chevrolet to further strengthen technical capabilities.
Crew Chiefs Shape the Team’s Competitive Edge
The heart of Jordan Anderson Racing leadership 2026 is its accomplished crew chief group, each boasting significant experience not just from the pit wall but as former drivers. This combination of technical skills and racing instincts is key to the organization’s racing ethos and future progress.
Mark Setzer, well-known for his over 275 series starts as a crew chief, transitions to oversee the No. 32 Chevrolet lineup. For 2026, this car will feature drivers such as Rajah Caruth, Ross Chastain, and Jordan Anderson, with additional names to be announced soon. Setzer, whose successful career includes a championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina as a driver, nearly led the team to victory at Talladega in 2025 and pushed the team toward playoff contention.
On the No. 31 Chevrolet effort, Cody McKenzie returns as crew chief, continuing his partnership with driver Blaine Perkins. McKenzie is acclaimed for his strong technical and engineering background. He previously held race engineering roles at Big Machine Racing and Richard Childress Racing, and his academic credentials include a B.S. in Physics from Francis Marion University and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. McKenzie’s data-driven focus supports the team’s expanding work with simulation and engineering development, leveraging close ties with Chevrolet.
JC Umscheid has joined the team as the crew chief for the No. 27 Chevrolet, guiding driver Jeb Burton. Umscheid brings a decade of experience in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with time spent at top outfits such as TRICON Garage and GMS Racing. Notably, he was crew chief for the Snowball Derby-winning effort by Kaden Honeycutt just over a year ago, underscoring his ability to lead teams at high-profile events and provide competitive focus to the program.
Building Momentum Through Teamwork and Experience
Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport’s competition leadership merges hands-on racing experience with technical expertise and a clear strategic direction. As the organization looks to the future, this group is set on positioning the team for significant achievements in the 2026 season.
“We’ve built something unique here – a structure that respects the history of racing while pushing us toward our future goals,”
said Jordan Anderson, Owner.
“These guys have lived this sport – as drivers, as engineers, as leaders – and that experience is going to be a big part of how we continue to improve.”
Anticipating What’s Ahead for the 2026 Season
Additional updates regarding drivers, sponsors, and further team initiatives will be released in the coming weeks as Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport continues preparations for the 2026 season. With this leadership group, the team aims to leverage its blend of experience, technical capability, and competitive drive as it takes on the next phase of growth in NASCAR competition.
